Tuesday, October 30, 2012

There were two things I loved the most in high school. Music from bands likeThe Smithsand Depeche Mode and my Sony Sports Walkman.

The Sony Sports Walkman was splash proof, so it was perfect for the beach and pool. It was yellow, which made it stand out and appear fashionable. It as somewhat of a fashion accessory to be honest. There was a heftier price tag attached to it, so it let others know you weren't skimping on your technology.

I loved the way the side opened and closed. It was unlike the usual portable music players I had ever owned before. I also remember slapping a Smiths sticker on my Sony Sports Walkman alerting others of my impeccable taste in music.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Back in the 1980s, I swore by Sea Breeze face cleanser. I loved the cool, crisp, clean sensation I got from using Sea Breeze. I'd apply a cotton ball with Sea Breeze to my face and neck after my shower in the morning and before bedtime in the evening. It felt magical. My face would tingle and smell so clean.

Thoughts of my youth rush back to me every time I get my eyebrows waxed at the salon. Why? Because they clean my brows with Sea Breeze. Originally developed in 1906 as an antiseptic for minor cuts and scratches, the brand was killed around 2003, then came back in 2010.

Remember the classic commercials and "Beautiful skin can be a breeze with Sea Breeze" jingle from the 1980s? Check it out here:

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

There was a time in my childhood that I became obsessed with these practical joke items. You know, like hand buzzers, soap that makes your hands dirty, fake plastic poop, and of course the infamous Whoopee Cushion or Woopie Cushion. There was something about these vintage treats that really caught my eye. I liked their simple packaging. These immature gag items were also perfectly priced for a kid on an allowance.

I'd bring a different prank item to school with me to share with the other kids. Whether it was a fake ice cube with a plastic fly in it or itching powder that didn't really make me itch for some reason, I just had to have it. Though all of the gag trinkets were fun, the Whoopee Cushion held a special place in my heart. Who could

resist the sound of toots?

It was such a riot to place this ridiculous rubbery balloon-like thing on someone's chair at school and have them plop down on it. Everyone always knew it was there. It was never an actual surprise or prank. Yet it always made us laugh. My husband dressed up in a pre-fab Whoopee Cushion costume one Halloween. Sorry I'm not allowed to share that photo here.

Monday, October 8, 2012

When I was a preteen, I adored a book written by Molly Douglas called Girl Talk. Published by Weekly Reader in 1981, Girl Talk was, "A Guide to Beauty, Fashion and Health" and included important hygiene, fashion and beauty tips, drawings and information for young girls.

I especially enjoyed the black and white drawings -- the book became my girl bible and I brought it to sleepovers and camp to share the info I learned with other girls my age.